New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS): In a move to help sectors like mining and construction, the central government Thursday did away with the requirement for obtaining licences for the production of ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) explosives, used for blasting in mines.
It was advised to ANFO manufacturers in November 2013 to apply for licence under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951.
"Representations were received from stakeholders about the hardship faced in getting licence under the provisions of the act," the commerce ministry said in a statement here.
About 300 applications were pending with the department of industrial policy and promotion to get industrial licences for the production of ANFO, it added.
"This will help mine owners using ANFO to continue mining operations and will help the development of the cement industry as well as the construction sector," the ministry said.